Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan completed 19 years of marriage on April 20, 2026. To mark the occasion, Aishwarya shared sweet selfies with Abhishek and their daughter Aaradhya on social media, while Abhishek opened up about their journey as a couple in an interview with Subhash K. Jha for Deccan Chronicle.
When and how did Abhishek and Aishwarya first meet?
Abhishek recalled that he first met Aishwarya in 2000 on the sets of Raj Kanwar’s film Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. At that time, they were simply good friends and co‑actors, and he never imagined she would one day become his life partner. He said, “We got along great, but did I ever think she was my soulmate? Absolutely not.” They later worked together again in Kuch Naa Kaho, but even then, their relationship stayed friendly and professional.
When their friendship turned into love
According to Abhishek, things began to change while they were shooting J. P. Dutta’s Umrao Jaan in 2006. He described that time as the phase when a “spark” finally appeared between them. After that, they worked on Mani Ratnam’s Guru, and their bond grew stronger both on and off screen.
Where and how did Abhishek Bachchan propose to Aishwarya Rai?
Abhishek proposed to Aishwarya in New York during the premiere of Guru. He chose the balcony of their hotel, the same place where he had once stood alone and dreamt of a future with her. In a very filmy but heartfelt gesture, he used the same ring that was shown in Guru, a prop ring he had kept with him for sentimental reasons. Aishwarya later said this made the proposal even more special because it was simple, genuine, and full of emotion rather than expensive jewellery.
When did Abhishek Bachchan marry Aishwarya Rai?
Soon after the proposal, their families organised a roka ceremony, and the couple got married on April 20, 2007. The wedding took place at Amitabh Bachchan’s Mumbai home and was an intimate but lavish celebration. Abhishek fondly remembers that they tied the knot just a few months after Guru released, a film that remains very close to both their hearts.
How does Abhishek describe their marriage? What are his plans?
Abhishek said that Mani Ratnam is very special to both of them, calling him a friend and a kind of godfather in their lives. He praised Aishwarya as not just his wife but also as the mother who deserves full credit for bringing up Aaradhya so well.
He described their 19 years of marriage as “like a dream” and shared a light‑hearted “rule” for a happy married life: every night before sleeping, he jokes that he must say “sorry” to his wife three times. Abhishek also hinted that he has big plans for their 20th anniversary next year, but prefers to keep those surprises secret for now.